Defenders, Kano Pillars, Grasshoppers fly high at Rowe Park

Edo Dynamos of Benin yesterday defeated Owena Queens of Akure 30 to 22 in the women category of the on-going Prudent Energy Handball League holding at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba. The Benin-based side, which paraded a youthful side, subdued their ageing and experience opponents, disallowing them from staging a comeback in a highly entertaining encounter.

In the other women’s game, high-flying Imo Grasshoppers overpowered Delta Queens 31 to 21 to brighten their chances of winning the league.The men’s match between D. Defenders of Abuja and Owena Kings ended 37 to 33 for the Abuja based team, who were forced to dig deep into their armoury to subdue the tough and hard-fighting Akure-based team in the round-robin league. Prison Key Boys lost 20 to 27 to Kano Pillars in another exciting duel.

Speaking with The Guardian after his girls’ loss to Edo Dynamos, Owena Queens’ coach, Olalude Tommy blamed fatigue for the defeat. “Our defeat was as a result of fatigue because we played a match just yesterday (Sunday). The next thing is for us to have confidence in ourselves and believe that we can win our subsequent matches by the grace of God.

“They girls need to be encouraged and also rest well so that they can recover fully for their next game. In this championship, we were not opportune to have our best legs, as many of them were in school either sitting for their exams or doing one thing or the other. So, it is a case of if you don’t have what you want, then use what is available,” he said.

Also speaking in the game, Edo Dynamos Coach, Aaron Okojie attributed his team’s victory to the tactics they employed for the game.“My girls did very well in the game and I am happy with them. Tactical discipline helped my girls win the encounter knowing well that we played against an experience side. “And I want to commend Prudent Energy Limited for sponsoring the league, and I this will help to promote and develop the sport,” Okojie.